If there’s one track to have on repeat this week, it’s “SFX.”
On Tom A. Smith‘s latest single, released last Friday, the Sunderland artist leans into a version of himself that feels looser, louder, and a lot more self-assured. It’s a shift that doesn’t come out of nowhere though; he’s been quietly building towards this moment for years. From playing his first-ever gig at the young age of eight, performing at Glastonbury before he was even in secondary school and sharing stages with artists like Sam Fender and Catfish & The Bottlemen, his career has never really followed a slow trajectory.
Built around distorted guitar textures and a beat that feels made to be played in a packed room, the “SFX” edges into indie dance territory without losing the raw quality that’s always defined his sound. It’s the kind of song that feels just as at home in a sweaty venue as it does blasting through headphones whilst walking.
Underneath this energy is a pretty direct confrontation with self-doubt, particularly around body image. “SFX” becomes less about the insecurity itself and more about escaping it, even if just for three minutes. Speaking on the single, Tom explained:
“I wanted this song to have a confidence that I ordinarily lack when it comes to body image, I know I’m definitely not alone when finding it hard to ignore your own insecurities. SFX is three minutes where I can dance and feel a bit better about myself, so hopefully anyone listening can do the same.”
Tom has an upcoming hometown slot at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, and is also set to go on a major UK headline tour this spring, return to the road with The Lottery Winners, and appear alongside The Maccabees at the iconic Eden Sessions. Tickets to his UK headliners are available here.
“SFX” feels like Tom A. Smith settling into himself.
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